Toilet transfer systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A toilet transfer system is described for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet. The system comprises a base unit that is attached to a toilet and that may be supported by one or more legs. The system further comprises a transfer board that is rotatably coupled to the base unit, allowing the transfer board to be positioned in a variety of positions without need to detach the toilet transfer system from the toilet. The transfer board may be pointed forward to allow the wheelchair to be positioned for transfer, pointed towards the wheelchair for transfer, and pointed back for compact storage between transfers and for normal use of the toilet. A coupling system accommodates height differentials between the toilet and the wheelchair, and allows the transfer board to become lifted up off the base unit and/or rotated without becoming misaligned from the base unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for assistingin the transfer of handicapped persons, and, in particular, forassisting in the transfer of persons between a wheelchair and a toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, a disabled person who uses a wheelchair and cannot stand istypically physically lifted on and off of a toilet by a caregiver. Thismethod of transferring the disabled person can be dangerous to thecaregiver, who can be injured while performing such a heavy liftingtask. Furthermore, it can be dangerous to the disabled person, who couldsuffer bodily injury if grabbed or pulled during transfer. Anunsuccessful transfer may result in injury to both parties due to afall.

Transfer boards, commonly long and rectangular, are frequently used totransfer disabled persons between their wheelchairs and other surfaces,especially surfaces that are generally flat and that can thereforestably support the transfer board. However, such transfer boards are notsuitable for transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet for a number ofreasons.

For example, long rectangular transfer boards that cannot anchor to thetoilet are prone to slipping off the hard, slick surface of the toiletwhile in use, causing a very dangerous situation. Boards with a hook atone end may not easily accommodate height differentials that frequentlyexist between wheelchairs and toilets and may exert undue pressure onthe toilet bowl and/or may become easily disengaged during set-up anduse. Some transfer boards that are contoured and that sit onto a toiletat a first end and are supported on the wheelchair at a second end aredifficult to simultaneously position on the toilet and position underthe person for transfer. Furthermore, a toilet transfer system that mustbe removed and replaced between uses, possibly requiring theintervention of a caregiver in order to be properly secured, may be ofdiminished usefulness to a disabled person who does not have or wantconstant assistance.

A transfer systems that takes up an excessive amount of space in abathroom, which is typically a small room, may make it uncomfortable foranother person to sit on the toilet seat normally. Similarly, toilettransfer systems that do not allow for easy alignment of the wheelchairprior to transfer are of diminished value to disabled people attemptingto accomplish the toilet transfer task independently. Finally, toilettransfer systems that are not easily portable make it difficult for adisabled person to use the transfer system in multiple locations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A toilet transfer system is disclosed herein that allows awheelchair-dependent person to transfer to a toilet with or withoutassistance, thereby increasing the person's independence and associatedsense of well-being. The toilet transfer system may be left in placeafter being initially set up, without disturbing the normalconfiguration and usability of the toilet seat by non-handicappedpersons. Embodiments of the toilet transfer system may be easily movedby the handicapped person or caregiver between three useful positionswithout need to dismantle the system: a storage position greatlydecreases floor space taken up by the toilet transfer system betweenuses, a set-up position allows a wheelchair-dependent person to easilyand independently maneuver the wheelchair into a suitable position forsafe transfer without requiring more space than is commonly available ina handicapped-equipped or normal oversized home bathroom, and an in-useposition allows the handicapped person to securely transfer to and fromthe toilet. A coupling system advantageously allows the toilet transfersystem to accommodate a variety of height differentials between thetoilet and the wheelchair without becoming unstable or unaligned, orplacing undue pressure on the toilet bowl. Furthermore, the toilettransfer system may be easily and compactly dismantled for portable usein other locations.

An embodiment of an apparatus for assisting a person to transfer betweena wheelchair and a toilet is described. The apparatus includes: a baseunit that comprises a coupler-receiving hole and that attaches to thetoilet; a transfer board; and a coupling mechanism that rotatablyattaches the transfer board to the base unit. The coupling mechanismfurther comprises: a coupling mount that is attached to the transferboard; and a guide post that joins at a first end to the coupling mountwith a ball joint, and that extends from the coupling mount through thecoupler-receiving hole in the base unit, wherein an end cap of the guideposts restrains the coupling mechanism from becoming detached from thebase unit. The coupling mechanism allows the transfer board to berotated about a plurality of axes without becoming detached from thebase unit.

An embodiment of a device for assisting in the transfer of a person froma wheelchair to a toilet is described. The device comprises a base unitpositioned between the wheelchair and the toilet. The device alsocomprises a transfer member having a surface along which the person canslide between the wheelchair and the toilet. The transfer member has afirst end and has a second end which rests on the wheelchair. The devicefurther comprises a joint assembly for connecting the first end of thetransfer member to the base unit, the joint assembly permitting rotationof the transfer member about the base unit along two or more axes.

An embodiment of a method of assisting a person to transfer between awheelchair and a toilet is described. The method includes: attaching abase unit to the toilet; attaching a first end of a transfer board tothe base unit, and resting a second end of the transfer board on thewheelchair; and sliding the person from the wheelchair to the toilet onthe transfer board.

An embodiment of an apparatus for assisting a person to transfer betweena wheelchair and a toilet is described. The apparatus comprises: a baseunit comprising a platform and a bracket system, wherein the bracketsystem secures the base unit to the toilet; and a transfer board havinga first end supported on and rotatably coupled to the base unit, thetransfer board having a second end supported on a wheelchair.

An embodiment of a system for assisting a person to transfer between awheelchair and a toilet is described. The system comprises: means forattaching a base unit to the toilet; and means for coupling a first endof a transfer board to the base unit, such that a second end of thetransfer board may rest on the wheelchair.

Still further advantages will become apparent from a consideration ofthe ensuing description. Neither this summary nor the following detaileddescription defines the invention. The invention is defined by theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A general architecture that implements various features of specificembodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to thedrawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided toillustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope ofthe invention. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used toindicate correspondence between referenced elements.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a toilet transfer system installed on atoilet and ready for use.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a base unit attached to a toilet bowlas viewed from above.

FIG. 3 depicts an underside of one embodiment of a base unit.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system with thetransfer board lifted at an angle to reveal the coupling system.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system in a set-upconfiguration for allowing a wheelchair to be maneuvered into positionfor use.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system in a compactconfiguration for reduced-space storage between uses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The toilet transfer system described herein allows a person who cannotstand unassisted to move between a wheelchair and a toilet, or between atoilet and a wheelchair, either unassisted or with assistance.

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a toilet transfer system 50 installedon a toilet and in position for use. As depicted in FIG. 1, the toilettransfer system comprises a base unit 10 that attaches to the toilet, aswill be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 tofollow, and that rotatably supports a transfer board 4. The base unit 10may be supported, at least in part, by one or more adjustable-heightlegs 8, which provide additional support and stability to the base unit10, when the toilet transfer system is in use, partially supporting theweight of a person transferring between a wheelchair and a toilet.

The transfer board 4 is coupled at a coupled end 6 to the base unit 10,as will be described in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2, and maybe positioned so that a detached end 2 of the transfer board 4 rests ona suitably placed wheelchair, as shown in FIG. 1. The transfer board 4may also be positioned in other useful positions that will be describedin greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

In various embodiments, the transfer board 4 is a generally planar boardthat may be made of a variety of materials that provide strength,durability, and a slidable surface, including, but not limited to, wood,laminated wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, and the like. The thicknessof the transfer board 4 is such that it can support the weight of aperson using the transfer board 4 and such that, as the transfer board 4is supported on the base unit 10, the elevation of a top side of thetransfer board 4 closely approximates the elevation of a seat of thetoilet when the seat is in a down position. For example, in onepreferred embodiment, the transfer board 4 may be approximately 15″long, 8½″ wide, and ½″ to ¾ thick.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupled end 6 of the transfer board 4 isrotatably coupled to the base unit 10 such that the detached end 2 ofthe transfer board 4 may be freely rotated, when lying on a horizontalplane that is parallel to that of the base unit 10 or when pivoted at anangle with respect to the base unit 10, into a variety of positionsalong an arc of 360° with respect to the base unit 10. FIGS. 5 and 6depict the transfer board 4 rotated into two different positions. Inother embodiments, rotation of the transfer board 4 may be limited to anarc of less than 360° about one or more axes. In still otherembodiments, the transfer board 4 may be rotatable into any of a set ofpredetermined positions. One example of a suitable coupling mechanism isdescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4.

As depicted in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, a bottom side of thetransfer board 4 is flat. At the detached end 2, a top side of thetransfer board 4 is beveled, thereby allowing the detached end 2 of thetransfer board 4 to rest on a seat of a wheelchair and to more easilyslide under the hip or thigh of a person sitting in the wheelchair. Forexample, in one embodiment, the transfer board is approximately 0.6″thick at the coupled end 6 and approximately 0.2″ thick at the beveleddetached end 2.

Toilet bowl heights are frequently in the range of 15½″-19½, whilewheelchair seat heights are frequently in the range of 18-20½ high.Thus, a differential of up to several inches may frequently existbetween the height of the wheelchair seat and the height of the toiletrim. In addition, a long-term wheelchair user frequently uses a gelcushion or other type of cushion in the wheelchair seat, for addedcomfort. Such a cushion adds height, for example 2-5″ of height, to thewheelchair seat, which may increase the height differential between therim of the toilet that supports the coupled end 6 of the transfer board4 and an effective level of the wheelchair seat at which the detachedend 2 of the transfer board 4 is supported. Furthermore, wheelchairscome in a variety of seat heights, as do toilets, and it is thuspreferable that the toilet transfer system be adapted to accommodate avariety of height differentials.

A coupling mechanism that securely allows for such a variety of heightdifferentials without putting undue pressure on the toilet bowl rim ispreferred for the toilet transfer system described herein. The couplingmechanism described with reference to FIG. 4 advantageously providesthese features.

FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a base unit 10 attached to a toiletbowl as viewed from above. For ease of viewing, the toilet seat,wheelchair, and transfer board 4 are not shown in FIG. 2.

In the embodiment shown, the base unit 10 clamps onto the rim of thetoilet with a clamping mechanism that will be described in greaterdetail with reference to FIG. 3. The base unit 10 comprises a beveledcoupler-receiving hole 20 for accommodating the coupling system thatcouples the transfer board 4 to the base unit 10 and that will bedescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 4. In a preferredembodiment, the coupler-receiving hole 20 extends through the base unit10 such that the diameter of the coupler-receiving hole 20 on a top sideof the base unit 10 is larger than the diameter of the coupler-receivinghole 20 on an underside of the base unit 10, thus forming a hole 20 thattapers in towards the bottom. For example, in one embodiment, thecoupler-receiving hole 20 is approximately 1.3″ in diameter on the topside of the base unit 10 and 0.8″ in diameter on the underside of thebase unit 10. This preferred tapered shaping of the coupler-receivinghole 20 will be described in greater detail with reference to thecoupling system depicted in FIG. 4.

The base unit 10 also comprises two holes 22 for accommodating screws orother fastening mechanisms that allow the legs 8 to be removablyattached to the base unit 10. The legs 8 may thus be separated from thebase unit 10 for compact and easy transport of the toilet transfersystem.

In a first preferred embodiment, the toilet transfer system comprisestwo adjustable-height legs 8. In a second preferred embodiment (notshown), the toilet transfer system comprises three adjustable-heightlegs 8. However, it will be readily understood by one of skill in theart that embodiments of the toilet transfer system may be configured tocomprise one adjustable-height leg 8 or another number ofadjustable-height legs 8. In some embodiments, additional stability forthe legs 8 may be provided, as depicted in FIG. 2, by a supportingcrossbar 28 that joins the legs 8.

The one or more legs 8 may be adjusted to allow the base unit 10 to besupported at a height that is substantially level with a rim of thetoilet. The legs 8 may be adjustable using any of variety of adjustmentmechanisms. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each leg 8 comprises anextender rod 24 that is adapted to screw into and out of a bottom of anupper portion of the leg 8 and that may be tightened at a desiredheight. In the embodiment shown, each extender rod 24 is fitted with arubber foot 26 that protects the floor on which it rests and thatprovides traction to assist in keeping the unit stable on a floor thatmay be slick.

In other embodiments, other adjustment mechanisms may be used foradjusting the height and/or angle of the legs 8, including, but notlimited to a “twist-extend-lock” style mechanism or a“spring-button-lock” style mechanism.

Furthermore, in other embodiments, the base unit 10 may be supported bylegs 8 that are of suitable fixed height. In still other embodiments,the base 10 may be supported by another method, such as by a system ofdiagonals (not shown) that are supported by a base portion of thetoilet.

In still other embodiments (not shown), the base unit 10 is supported,without legs 8, by the toilet and by an embodiment of the clampingmechanism, such as the one described in FIG. 3, that allows the transferboard 4 to remain balanced thereupon parallel to the floor, even withoutfurther support by the wheelchair.

FIG. 3 depicts an underside of one embodiment of a base unit 10. In oneembodiment, the base unit 10 is formed of a metal alloy plate that is ¼″in thickness. In other embodiments, the base unit 10 is formed ofanother material that provides strength and durability.

The base unit 10 includes a platform portion 30 and a bracket portion31. The platform portion 30, as depicted in FIG. 3, is substantiallyplanar and, in a preferred embodiment, is round in shape andapproximately 8″ in diameter. In other embodiments, the platform portionmay be otherwise shaped. The coupler-receiving hole 20 may be seen inthe center of the platform portion 30, as well as the holes 22 forscrewing the legs 8 to the base unit 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the coupled end 6 of the transfer board 4 issemi-circular in shape, such that the rounded edge of the transfer board4 matches or extends slightly beyond the circumference of the base unit10, even if the transfer board 4 is rotated to position the detached end2 of the transfer board in a variety of positions. In other embodiments,the coupled end 6 of the transfer board 4 may be shaped into anothersuitable shape.

The bracket portion 31 of the base unit 10 is configured to rest on therim of the toilet bowl. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, thebracket portion 31 comprises two support arm portions 32 that may besupported on the toilet bowl. Two fixed support plates 33 extenddownward from the support arm portions 32 into the toilet bowl and areconfigured to be in contact with an inner wall of the toilet bowl whenthe base unit 10 is attached to the toilet. In one embodiment, eachsupport arm 32 is approximately 4.2″ by 1½″ by ¼ in size, and each fixedsupport plate 33 is approximately 1½ by 1½″ by ¼″ in size.

In other embodiments, the bracket portion 31 may comprise a singlesupport arm 32 and/or a single fixed support plate 33, or another numberof support arms 32 and/or fixed support plates 33.

In preferred embodiments, the support arms 32 are sufficiently thin tofit between the rim of the toiler bowl and the toilet seat in a downposition without interfering with either the functionality orcomfortable use of the toilet seat.

A compression screw support plate 36 extends from the underside of thebase unit 10, preferably between the platform portion 30 and the bracketportion 31. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the compression screwsupport plate 36 is substantially planar and rectangular in shape, witha hole for accommodating a compression screw 37. The compression screwsupport plate 36 may be connected to the underside of the platformportion 30 using welding, or another fastening mechanism, such as nailsor screws, or the compression screw support plate 36 may be formedintegrally with the base unit 10, such as in a molding process.

A compression screw 37 extends through the threaded hole in thecompression screw support plate 36, such that a handle portion 38 of thecompression screw 37 is on a side nearer to the coupler-receiving hole20. A movable support plate 35 is attached to the compression screw 37and can be moved closer to or further from the fixed support plates 33by rotating the handle portion 38 of the compression screw 37. When inuse, the movable support plate 35 may thus be positioned to come intofirm contact with an outer portion of the toilet bowl. Compressing thefixed support plates 33 and the movable support plate 35 firmly againstthe toilet, the base unit 10 may thus be secured to the toilet.Conversely, rotating the handle portion 38 of the compression screw 37in an opposite direction causes the movable support plate 35 to beretracted from the toilet bowl, allowing the base unit 10 to be releasedfrom the toilet.

As depicted in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, a non-slip semi-softrubber material 34 may be attached to portions of the fixed supportplates 33 and the movable support plate 35 that contact that toilet bowlin order to protect the toilet bowl from being scratched and to allowfor better gripping of the toilet bowl by the fixed support plates 33and the movable support plate 35.

The clamping mechanism described herein advantageously supports the baseunit 10 on the toilet in a secure and compact manner. However, in otherembodiments, a different type of clamping mechanism may be used tosupport the base unit 10 on the toilet without departing from the toilettransfer system as described and claimed herein.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system with thetransfer board 4 lifted at an angle to reveal the coupling system. Asdepicted in FIG. 4, the coupling system comprises a swivel levelingmount 40 and a guide post 42 that are attached to an underside of thetransfer board 4. A cylindrical guide post 42 is rotatably connected ata first end to the swivel leveling mount 40 by a ball joint. An end cap44 that is wider in diameter than the coupler-receiving hole 20 may bescrewed onto or off of a second end of the guide post 42. Thus, when theend cap 44 is removed from the guide post 42, the second end of theguide post 42 may be inserted through and/or withdrawn from thecoupler-receiving hole 20 of the base unit 10. When inserted, screwingor otherwise attaching the end cap 44 onto the guide post 42 preventsthe guide post 42 from being withdrawn from the coupler-receiving hole20, thereby effectively coupling the transfer board 4 and the base unit10.

In various embodiments, the guide post 42 is of sufficient length and issufficiently rotatable with respect to the ball joint to provide thetransfer board 4 with a range of movement relative to the base unit 10that allows it to accommodate a wide variety of height differentialsbetween toilet and wheelchair, as well as accommodating angular or otherchanges in position that may occur, for example, as a result of weightshifts as the person transfers from the wheelchair to the toilet or viceversa. For example, in one embodiment, the guide post 42 isapproximately 4″ in length.

Furthermore, in embodiments where the coupler-receiving hole 20 istapered, as described with reference to FIG. 2, the sides of thecoupler-receiving hole 20 help to guide the guide post 42, and thus thetransfer board 4, back into a seated position, aligned with the baseunit 10, if the transfer board 4 becomes misaligned from the base unit10 during use.

Operation

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system in a set-upconfiguration, which is convenient for allowing a wheelchair to bemaneuvered into position for use. As described above, once the toilettransfer system 50 has been attached to the toilet and the transferboard 4 coupled to the base unit 10, the transfer board 4 may be rotatedinto a variety of positions, for example, in a complete arc of 360° withrespect to the base unit 10, while still being supported parallel to thefloor by the base unit 10.

As depicted in FIG. 5, the transfer board 4 may be rotated so that thedetached end 2 of the transfer board 4 faces in the same direction asthe toilet. In this position, the toilet transfer system 50 takes upspace to the side of the toilet amounting to approximately the width ofthe transfer board 4, for example 8″ in one embodiment. Thus, thiscompact configuration allows maneuvering room for backing the wheelchairalongside and close to the toilet, even in bathrooms with restrictedspace to the side of the toilet.

Once the wheelchair is positioned parallel to and facing in the samedirection as the toilet, the transfer board 4 may be rotated so that thedetached end 2 of the transfer board 4 points towards the person in thewheelchair, as depicted in FIG. 1. The detached, preferably beveled, end2 may be slid under the thigh or hip of the person, and the person mayuse the board 4, either assisted or unassisted, to transfer to and fromthe toilet.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the toilet transfer system 50 in acompact configuration that is convenient for reduced-space storagebetween uses. Once the toilet transfer system 50 is no longer being usedand the wheelchair is no longer alongside the toilet, the transfer board4 may be rotated so that the detached end 2 points towards the back ofthe toilet. In this position, the toilet transfer system 50 takes upspace to the side of the toilet approximately equal to only the width ofthe transfer board 4, without extending forward of the toilet, thusfurther diminishing the usable floor space taken up by the toilettransfer system 50 while it remains installed on the toilet.

In this position, the toilet seat may be lowered onto the support arms32 of the base unit 10 (not shown) into a normal or near-normalposition, and thus the presence of the toilet transfer system 50alongside the toilet need not impede normal use of the toilet.

Although the foregoing systems and methods have been described in termsof certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein.Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions andmodifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view of thedisclosure herein. While certain embodiments of the inventions have beendescribed, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only,and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, thenovel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a varietyof other forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, anon-portable embodiment of the toilet transfer system 50 may be designedfor permanent use at a single location. Various embodiments of theclamping mechanism and the coupling mechanism may be used, as well asother shapes of the base unit 10, legs 8, and/or transfer board 4.Additionally, other embodiments of the toilet transfer system maycomprise a carrying case for transport of the system. The accompanyingclaims, as now presented and as may be amended or otherwise supplementedin the future, are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet, comprising: a base unit that comprises a coupler-receiving hole and that attaches to said toilet; a transfer board; and a coupling mechanism that rotatably attaches said transfer board to said base unit, said coupling mechanism further comprising: a coupling mount that is attached to said transfer board; and a guide post that joins at a first end to said coupling mount with a ball joint, and that extends from said coupling mount through said coupler-receiving hole in said base unit, wherein an end cap of said guide posts restrains said coupling mechanism from becoming detached from said base unit; wherein said coupling mechanism allows said transfer board to be rotated about a plurality of axes without becoming detached from said base unit.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said coupling mechanism allows said transfer board to be rotated into a variety of positions on a horizontal plane while said transfer board is supported on and attached to said base unit.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said coupling mechanism allows said transfer board to be rotated into a variety of positions while said transfer board is lifted off and still attached to said base unit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said end cap is detachably attached to said guide post, and wherein, when said end cap is detached from said guide post, said guide post may be withdrawn from said coupler-receiving hole, allowing said transfer board to be detached from said base unit.
 5. A device for assisting in the transfer of a person from a wheelchair to a toilet, comprising: a base unit positioned between said wheelchair and said toilet; a transfer member having a surface along which said person can slide between said wheelchair and said toilet, said transfer member having a first end and having a second end which rests on said wheelchair; and a joint assembly for connecting said first end of said transfer member to said base unit, said joint assembly permitting rotation of said transfer member about said base unit along two axes.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said joint assembly permits rotation of said transfer member about said base unit along three axes.
 7. A method of assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet, comprising: attaching a base unit to said toilet; attaching a first end of a transfer board to said base unit, and resting a second end of said transfer board on said wheelchair; and sliding said person from said wheelchair to said toilet on said transfer board.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein attaching a first end of said transfer board to said base unit further comprises rotatably coupling said first end of said transfer board to said base unit such that said transfer board may be rotated about said coupling into a plurality of positions with respect to said base unit and said toilet.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said transfer board may be rotated about a plurality of axes without becoming detached from said base unit.
 10. An apparatus for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet, comprising: a base unit comprising a platform and a bracket system, wherein said bracket system secures said base unit to said toilet; and a transfer board having a first end supported on and rotatably coupled to said base unit, said transfer board having a second end supported on a wheelchair.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising one or more legs for supporting said base unit.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said one or more legs are height adjustable.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said one or more legs are detachably connected to said base unit.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said base unit is made of at least one of the set consisting of: wood, laminated wood, metal, fiberglass, and plastic.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said transfer board is made of at least one of the set consisting of: wood, laminated wood, metal, fiberglass and plastic.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second end of said transfer board is beveled.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said transfer board is coupled to said base unit with a coupling system that allows said first end to be pivoted up off said base unit without becoming detached from said base unit.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said toilet transfer system is portable for use at another toilet.
 19. A system for assisting a person to transfer between a wheelchair and a toilet, comprising: means for attaching a base unit to said toilet; and means for coupling a first end of a transfer board to said base unit, such that a second end of said transfer board may rest on said wheelchair.
 20. The system of claim 18, wherein said means for coupling allow said transfer board to lift off said base unit while remaining coupled to said base unit.
 21. The system of claim 18, wherein said means for coupling allow said transfer board to be pivoted about a plurality of axes while remaining coupled to said base unit. 